Glab. rhizomatous herb with erect stems up to ± 1 m. tall; lf-scars prominent, linear; branches subumbellately arranged. Lvs crowded, sessile, 2-10 × 1·5-2.5 cm., elliptic to oblanceolate to oblong-obovate, obtuse, ± glaucous, entire, ± apiculate. Subfloral lvs broader, c. 20 × 15 mm., ± concealing cyathium. Umbels with 5-6 forked rays. Cyathium campanulate; glands 4-5, dark purple, crescentic. Capsule pend., globose; seeds smooth, greyish to straw-coloured, c. 2.5 mm. diam.

2n = 20

Glabrous, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial. Stems up to 1 m high. Lvs alternate, exstipulate, sessile, entire, oblanceolate to obovate or ± elliptic, (10)-30-80-(120) mm long. Terminal umbel usually 5-rayed, with sometimes a few axillary rays arising below; lvs subtending rays similar to stem lvs but shorter, broader; rays forming compound dichasia; lvs subtending cyathia obovate to suborbicular, not connate. Glands deep purple, crescent-shaped; horns slender or broad. Seeds smooth, rounded, pale yellow or purplish brown, c. 3-7 mm long.